Softwin looking to make BitDefender a world brand

Jul. 13--IT applications provider Softwin will invest over 100 million dollars by 2010 for international expansion of the BitDefender brand, by opening branches on external markets and development of the distribution network. "This year we are looking to strengthen our position on Western markets, where we have already had sales success and a good image, but also in the U.S., where we foresee sales of up to 10 million dollars for BitDefender products. Beginning next year, we will strongly direct our activity to Asia as well," said Florin Talpes, Softwin president. The expansion of Softwin was decided based on performances registered on the anti-virus solution market: BitDefender has a two percent share of the world anti-virus market, with annual sales over 120 million dollars (94 million euros). The Softwin data security division, BitDefender, already has branches in Germany, Spain, the UK and the U.S., as well as local partners in 53 countries. The company registered 41 million users for its IT security products. The anti-virus software is distributed online to inhabitants of 96 countries, with the largest number of users in the U.S. (51 percent of sales), Germany (33 percent), Spain and Australia. Softwin estimates for 2007 a turnover of 100 million dollars (78.5 million euros) for BitDefender products and services. The company registered a net profit of about three million euros last year, a 92 percent year on year hike.